NOTES BETWEEN PRINTED EDITIONS
“Ronald Beaty Urges Cape Cod Residents to Vote YES on Ballot Question 6”
Barnstable County, MA – Ronald Beaty, candidate for Barnstable County Commissioner, today issued a strong call to action for all Barnstable County residents to support Ballot Question 6 in the upcoming election on November 5, 2024. This crucial ballot question seeks to amend the County Home Rule Charter, aiming to restore balance, transparency, and fiscal responsibility to our regional government.
What is Ballot Question 6?
Ballot Question 6 proposes amendments to the Barnstable County Charter to:
– Clearly define and strengthen the fiscal oversight powers of the Assembly of Delegates.
– Allow the Assembly to modify the annual budget proposed by the Board of Regional Commissioners.
– Enable supplemental budget requests and appropriations, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness in county governance.
Why Vote YES?
“The current system has allowed for an imbalance of power, leading to inefficiencies and, frankly, a dereliction of duty by some in positions of leadership,” stated Ronald Beaty. “By voting YES on Ballot Question 6, we’re advocating for a system where the legislative body can effectively check and balance the executive powers, ensuring that your tax dollars are managed with the utmost responsibility.”
The Case Against Sheila Lyons and Mark Forest:
“Over the past four years, County Commissioners Sheila Lyons and Mark Forest have not only failed to foster cooperative governance but have actively contributed to a toxic environment where power grabs are more common than genuine public service,” Beaty asserts. “Their refusal to acknowledge the Assembly of Delegates’ rightful role has led to unnecessary bureaucratic battles, and political posturing wasting taxpayer money that could have been better spent on Cape Cod’s real issues like wastewater management, affordable housing, and protecting our environment.”
– Sheila Lyons has consistently undermined the democratic process by treating the Assembly as merely advisory, disregarding the checks and balances that are the cornerstone of good governance.
– Mark Forest has followed suit, pushing for policies and budgets that reflect a personal agenda rather than the collective will of Barnstable County’s residents.
“This behavior is not just an oversight; it’s a deliberate attempt to centralize power, reducing the voice of the people through their elected Delegates,” Beaty continued. “Their tenure has been marked by a lack of transparency, fiscal irresponsibility, and a dismissive attitude towards the very principles of local governance.”
A Call to Action:
Ronald Beaty concludes, “On November 5th, let’s restore local control, ensure our county government works for all of us, not just a select few. Vote YES on Ballot Question 6 to bring back accountability, fiscal sanity, and a government that truly represents the people of Cape Cod.”
“Together, we can correct the course, ensuring our beautiful Cape Cod is governed with integrity, foresight, and a genuine commitment to its residents. Join me in this pivotal vote for our future.”
